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Cajun Chicken With Cauliflower Rice - Spicy, Satisfying, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips or bite-size pieces
  • Cajun seasoning: 2–3 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste (adjust if your Cajun blend is salty)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 2–3 tablespoons
  • Butter (optional): 1 tablespoon for finishing
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
  • Bell pepper: 1 medium (red or green), diced
  • Cauliflower rice: 4 cups (store-bought or 1 medium head riced at home)
  • Chicken broth: 1/4 cup (optional, for moisture and flavor)
  • Lemon: 1, for juice and zest
  • Fresh parsley or green onions: 2–3 tablespoons, chopped for garnish
  • Optional add-ins: Smoked paprika, cayenne, celery, cherry tomatoes, or a splash of hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Toss with Cajun seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of oil. Set aside while you prep the vegetables.
  2. Rice the cauliflower (if making your own): Cut the cauliflower into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice. Don’t over-process, or it turns mushy.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat 1–2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook 4–6 minutes, flipping once, until browned and cooked through. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
  4. Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add a bit more oil if needed. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Cook the cauliflower rice: Add the riced cauliflower to the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Toss well. Cook 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but not soggy.
  6. Add moisture and flavor: Pour in the chicken broth and a small knob of butter (optional). Stir and let it absorb for 1–2 minutes. This keeps the rice juicy and flavorful.
  7. Finish the dish: Return the chicken to the skillet with any juices. Squeeze in half a lemon, add a little zest, and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more cayenne or hot sauce if you like extra heat.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.